Iowa Old Press


Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
November 7, 1918

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Courthouse and County-Seat News
Roy Yeager died last Sunday night of the prevailing malady. He leaves a wife and three children and was sick for about ten days.

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Sacrifices Her Life In Aid Of Others
Mrs. J. N. Slick received the sad news of the death of her niece, Miss Eva Overfield, which occurred at her home at Sioux Falls, S. Dak., last week. The remains were brought back to Cedar cemetery at Larrabee for burial last Saturday morning and a short service was conducted at the grave which was attended by Mrs. Slick, Miss Mabelle Slick, Mrs. E. A. McFarland and Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Hurless of this place. The following account was taken from the Sioux City Tribune: Sioux Falls, S. D., Oct. 31 - Half sick with the influenza herself after nursing a family of sick who were ill with the malady at Volga, but eager to aid in caring for another, resulted in the death of Miss Eva Overfield, 300 Indiana avenue. Miss Overfield, who was a practical nurse, was brought to her home Sunday from Volga ill with the influenza. Pneumonia developed rapidly and caused her death.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
November 14, 1918

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Terrible Accident Kills Child
Little Lester Hicks, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Hicks, living seven miles northwest of Sutherland, died Monday afternoon at 5:00 o'clock as a result of a terrible accident which happened about 10:00 o'clock that morning. The little fellow was out playing around a corn elevator and just after a load had been brought in from the field, not being noticed, he threw the speed jack into gear when he was caught by his little sweater and threw him against the machinery, breaking an arm and a leg, also fracturing the base of his skull.

Charles Lester Hicks was born Feb. 18, 1916, and died Nov. 11, 1918, being two years, eight months and 24 days old. He leaves to mourn his loss, his father and mother, six brothers [sic], Harold of the United States Navy, Herbert with the coast artillery, in France, Ronald, and three sisters, Grace, Katheryn and Charlotte. Besides these a number of relatives and friends will greatly miss his cheering presence. Lester was a very bright, sunny dispositioned child, and endeared himself to everyone with whom he came in contact.

A brief funeral service was held at the home, conducted by E. L. Frost, pastor of the Church of Christ, Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. A large crowd of relatives and friends were present and as they looked upon the sweet, placid little body in the white casket and surrounded by beautiful and fragrant flowers - yet not more beautiful or pure than the little face within - their hearts swelled in sympathy for the bereaved family. Harold Hicks, an older brother, who is stationed at Naval Hospital Barracks C-Z, Pelham Bay Park, N. R., was able to secure a furlough and return home to attend the funeral. The little form was tenderly laid to rest by loving hands, the sombre sky and rustling of fallen leaves being in true accord with the scene. Four cousins acted as pall bearers. Interment was made in Waterman cemetery.

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Mr. J. N. Veeder, a former resident of Paullina and Primghar, who died last week at Mountain View, Mo., was buried here last Saturday. He leaves a wife who is a sister of Wm. Stewart of Primghar. J. D. Towberman, of Ortonville, Minn., was here over Saturday attending the J. N. Veeder funeral. Mr. Towberman used to be county bridge builder in this county.

Julius Johannsen Dead
Friday evening - The sad news has just reached the Courier office of the death of Julius Johannsen which occurred at 6:30 o'clock, at his home four miles northwest of Sutherland. He had been sick just a week, with pneumonia following the influenza and his death comes as a great shock to every one. He is the first victim to be taken by the malady in this community.

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Tracy Allen who left Monday of last week for special military training at Ames, contracted the influenza immediately and was taken to the hospital Wednesday. Word was received the first of this week stating that he was in a very serious condition.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
November 21, 1918

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Two Prominent Young Men Die During Week - Death of Each Resulting from Influenza - Both Widely Known In Community

Julius Johannsen,1892-1918
Julius Jacob Johannsen was born in Liberty township, seven miles west of Sutherland, April 16, 1892, and died at 6:00 p.m., November 15, 1918, at his home four miles north of Sutherland, after a week's illness of double pneumonia, following an attack of influenza, his age being 26 years and 7 months. When the news of his death came it flew over our town as on the wings of the wind. Wherever it touched it came as a shock barbed with pain and sorrow. His future was full of promise and it is hard to understand why he was taken in the very prime of life. Although it is sad indeed to see one so well equipped for life taken so unexpectedly, yet for him, there was no standing on the borderland, gazing into the unknown, for death came as the sunset dies along the hills when the day is over.

"Judy", as he was familiarly known in the community, was of a happy, congenial, disposition so that friendship's circle was to him a large one. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Johannsen, both of whom have been dead for several years. When 13 years of age he began to work in the meat market in Sutherland for Adolph Mueller where he continued to work for six years. On December 4, 1914, he was married to Miss Edna Tinkham. After leaving the employ of Mr. Mueller he conducted the business for the Standard Oil Co., at this place, for more than a year. In 1915 he and his wife moved to Beresford, S. D., were he conducted a moving picture house. A year later they returned to Sutherland since which time they have been engaged in farming in this vicinity.

Besides his wife the deceased is survived by five sisters, Mesdames Asinus {?Asmus] Rogers, Arthur Innes, Lester Bidwell, Ella Van Etten, Myron Lampman and Harry Johann, also two brothers, Herman and Carl, all residing in or near Sutherland.

Brief funeral services in charge of Rev. W. E. Whitlock [?] were held at his home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment was made in Waterman cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved relatives.

Tracy Allen, 1885-1918
Harold Tracy Allen was born April 29, 1885 at Cherokee, Iowa. He lived there until he was sixteen years of age, when he moved with his parents to Parker, S. D. At this place both of his parents passed away and he returned to Cherokee, spending the next nine years of his life there and at Sutherland, also at Rockford, Illinois. Six years ago he returned from Rockford to Sutherland and took a position as salesman in the implement business of Chas. Nott. Here, as in every position he held, he worked hard to please, always doing far more than was expected of him. He made a wide circle of friends in connection with this position, also with the patrons of the Opera House, where he gave such helpful and willing service. He was happiest when looking after the welfare and comfort of others.

When Tracy's call in military service proved to be for a three month's special training course in tractor and truck driving at Ames, Iowa, he was very much pleased, but deeply regretted that he must go at a time when the much dreaded epidemic, influenza was at its height. His fears were well grounded, for he was in camp only two days when he was taken to the hospital. He overcame the influenza and pneumonia, but, as the county examination board had already mentioned, his heart was weak and he passed peacefully away at 6:30 o'clock, Saturday morning, November 16.

As he requested before leaving for Camp, he was buried at Sutherland, the funeral services being held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Nott, which home he greatly appreciated, having been homeless for many years. Rev. Willis, of Marathon, for whom Tracy had [?] expressed admiration, conducted the service. The body was carried to its resting place by six of Tracy's friends, Paul Briggs, Ben McCulla, Walter O'Donnell, Harry Warren, Harry Briggs and H. J. Whitacre. Many beautiful flowers gave testimony of the sorrow of friends and associates and had such demonstrations occurred during Tracy's lifetime it would have been one of his happiest days.

Tracy's was an utterly unselfish life, all of it having been spent in service for others, and his constant happiness was a fine example of what is gained by living such a life. Even in his last hours of life, he constantly smiled and gave every evidence of being happy. He loved the people of Sutherland and vicinity, loved to mingle with them, appreciating so much their friendship and approval.

The deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Clara Warren of this place, and two brothers, Burt W. Allen of Rockford, Ill., and Wm. C. Allen, of Rochelle, Ill., all of whom were with him when he passed away. - Contributed

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B. E. Phinney Dead
The news of B. E. Phinney's death which occurred at his home at San Juan, Texas, early Tuesday morning, was received in Sutherland the same day with much sorrow by relatives and friends.

Although Mr. Phinney has not enjoyed good health for several years, his sudden demise at this time was not expected. Mr. and Mrs. Phinney moved from Sutherland just two months ago, having sold their property here and left for their new home in San Juan on Sept. 18th. The remains will be brought back to Sutherland for burial but will not arrive here before the last of the week.

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A marriage license was issued to Ernest Rembe, legal, and Jennie Geisler, legal.

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John O'Donnell left Saturday morning for Dubuque to attend the funeral of his aged mother, returning Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Rumper left Saturday evening for Belmont, Wis., where they were called on account of the death of Mrs. Rumper's father.

W. H. Lange received a telegram on Tuesday, Nov. 19th, stating that George Lange, his oldest son, had died in France. George went with the boys who left Primghar July 26th. No further particulars were given.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lahan visited in Paullina, Tuesday, at the home of the latter's sister, Mrs. E. D. Hilker, who had just received word of the death of her son, Alvin, in France. He was among the boys to leave Primghar in July. This makes the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Hilker to give their life in service.

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Mr. and Mrs. T. H. McCulla, of Parker, S. D., arrived here Saturday morning to attend the funeral of Tracy Allen, returning home Tuesday.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank all of the kind friends who by word or deed helped to lighten our sorrow at the time of the death of our little son, and also for the beautiful flowers.
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hicks and family

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The report was out this week that Mr. Carl Reimer was killed in France just before the fighting ended. [transcriber's note - last name is Reimers]

Byron Hicks passed away last Friday morning, following a severe attack of pneumonia, at the home of his parents, Lee Hicks and family. His wife preceded him, the same week, a victim of the same disease. They leave to mourn their untimely death, besides their parents, brothers and sister, an infant son, six weeks old.

Harold Hicks, who is in the medical corps of the U. S. Navy, arrived home on a furlough from New York, last week, being called here on account of the death of his brother.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
November 28, 1918

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Bert E. Phinney, 1870-1918
Bert E. Phinney was born in Columbus, Ohio, March 27, 1870, and departed this life in San Juan, Texas, November 19, 1918, being at the time of his death 48 years, 7 months and 8 days of age. In 1883, he moved with his parents to Iowa and located on a farm north of Sutherland, and after he grew to manhood engaged in farming himself, for a number of years. Later he purchased the confectionery in Sutherland and conducted a successful business here for about eight years. In October 24, 1915, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Edna Parker, of this place. Mr. Phinney purchased the Wonderland moving picture house in Paullina and with his wife and family moved to that place, where they resided for two and a half years. After disposing of their business there, they decided to return to Sutherland, moving back here last March.

Mr. Phinney has not enjoyed good health for some time and thought he would try the southern climate, so this summer purchased a small tract of land near San Juan, Texas, and moved his family there the latter part of September. He contracted a case of the prevailing epidemic, influenza, but apparently was over it, and his death came quite unexpectedly, the immediate cause being nervous indigestion after a residence in his new house of only six weeks. He leaves an aged father, W.W. Phinney and a brother, George, both of this place, and another brother Barney, of Minneapolis, besides his wife and two children, to mourn their loss.

The remains were brought back to Sutherland and a brief funeral service conducted by Rev. W. E. Whitlock of the Methodist church was held at the George Phinney home last Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment was made in the Waterman cemetery, being in charge of the Knights of Pythias Empire Lodge, No. 202, of which the deceased was a member. Sincere sympathy is felt by many friends for the bereaved relatives.

Died In England
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Frerk, Sr., is grief stricken because of receiving the following sad message last Thursday, from the office of the Adjutant General at Washington, D. C. "Your son, Corporal Herman J. Frerk, died of pneumonia on October 14th, at the 34th Camp Hospital, [Roshay?], England." Herman was inducted into military service in May and left Camp Dodge for overseas with the 88th Division in August. His death brings the number up to eleven of our splendid young men who have given their lives for their country during this terrible war. His name will be inscribed in the list with our noble heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice and though they are dead, yet they will ever live, for they have all written their names indelibly in the memory of the citizens of this community.

Claus Steffen Dies In France
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Steffen of Highland township received a message Tuesday informing them that their son, Claus, died in France October 21 from pneumonia. The young man left with the draft quota on July 25th for Camp Gordon, Ga., and had been overseas about a month when death claimed him. The flag was at half mast yesterday to honor the young soldier whose life was given for his country just as truly as if he had met death on a battlefield. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved parents, brothers and sisters and other relatives. -Primghar Bell

Hilda Anne Marie Meyer
Hilda Anne Marie Meyer, the twelve year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meyer, passed away at the home of her parents at eleven o'clock, Tuesday morning, November 26th, 1918. Hilda was taken sick only three days before, with the Spanish influenza which rapidly developed into pneumonia, causing her death. She was born April 12, 1906, in Sutherland and spent her entire life in this vicinity. She was one of a family of seven children, and will be greatly missed in the home. the father and mother and four sisters and two brothers are left to mourn their loss. Brief funeral services, in charge of Rev. W. E. Whitlock, were held from the family home in the east addition, Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock. Interment was at Waterman cemetery.

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Card of Thanks
We extend thanks to the kind neighbors and friends for their helpfulness during the illness and death of our daughter, Hilda, also for the floral offerings.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meyers and children [transcriber's note - the obituary spelled surname as Meyer, and the Card of Thanks to Meyers; not sure which is correct]

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News was received by friends here this week from Rev. Fred Conoway that his brother, Earl Conoway, also a former resident of this locality, had been killed in action October 15th.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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